Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Santa Barbara Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School55.6%48.8%40.2%20.4%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)21.1%22.5%23.3%14.0%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.1%0.1%0.0%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.4%0.9%1.0%1.6%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.4%0.5%0.8%3.8%
Had to Work0.0%0.5%0.4%0.5%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.6%0.4%0.6%0.5%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.3%0.1%0.3%1.1%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.0%0.1%0.1%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.2%0.3%0.5%0.0%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.1%0.3%0.4%1.1%
Was Suspended0.2%0.2%0.2%1.1%
Other Reason12.6%8.2%9.5%7.5%
Two or More Reasons8.1%17.1%22.5%48.4%